Most computer printers are primarily used as peripherals and are permanently attached to the computer which serves as their document source. Network computer printers have built-in network interfaces that are typically wireless or Ethernet. Network computer printers can serve as a hardcopy device for any user on the network.
In addition to working in a network, many modern computer printers can directly from interface to electronic media such as memory sticks or memory cards. Computer printers can even interface with image capture devices such as digital cameras and scanners.
Some computer printers are combined with a scanner or fax machine into a single unit. Computer printers that are combined with a scanners can essentially function as a photocopy machine.
Computer printers are designed for low volume print jobs that require virtually no setup time to achieve a hard copy of a given document. Computer printers are generally slow devices that have a relatively high cost per page. Most computer printers consider printing ten pages per minute to be fast.
Computer printers will never replace the printing press. A printing press is designed and optimized to pring hundreds of pages per minute. This will always be the choice for high volume professional publishing.
Computer printers have been advancing in technology and the field of desktop publishing is exploding. Many jobs that used to be handled by a professional print shop are now being done by computer printers.
